A wanted 55-year-old man attempted to be one with nature after committing an assault and fleeing from deputies early Sunday morning.

On July 21st at approximately 8:57 a.m. Deputy C.D. Sullivan responded to Fleet Road for an assault. The victim advised she was assaulted by a known male after a disagreement over a cell phone. The suspect, Charles Atkins III of Ruther Glen, would then flee the area before deputies arrived.

Atkins was discovered to be wanted out of Carolina County for four felony offenses and four capiases. In an attempt to locate the wanted Atkins, deputies began canvassing the area. Deputy J.E. Cordes would observe him in the area of Lichfield Boulevard. Before Deputy Cordes could even make contact with him, Atkins would take off on foot. Commands were given for him to stop; however, Atkins elected to decline the offer. Visual contact was lost in the area of Merlin Way and after an extended search, he could not be located. That being said, if at first you do not succeed, try again.

Between calls for service, deputies would continue proactive patrols in the area. At approximately 1:36 p.m. First Sergeant J.J. Kreider would locate Atkins and promptly take him into custody. He was found to be in possession of suspected controlled substances. It was discovered Atkins had been hiding in the woods after fleeing. He would now be heading somewhere a little less green.

Atkins was charged with assault and battery, obstruction of justice, possession of controlled substances, as well as, served on his eight outstanding warrants. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

As a side note, during his woodland hide out, Atkins had called his mother for a ride. She arrived after his arrest and was discovered to also be wanted through Stafford County. She was served on her releasable shoplifting warrant at the scene while Atkins was transported to jail.